B69/100

Key West Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 86,000 residents · Florida

What's In Key West's Tap Water?

73
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOS
0.042 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
PFOA
0.008 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.004 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

6

Violations (last 5yr)

6

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023Verify on EPA.gov

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

FKAA J. ROBERT DEAN W.T.P.
Population Served

86,000

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

FL4134357

Frequently Asked Questions About Key West Water

Is Key West tap water safe to drink?

Key West, Florida tap water receives a grade of B (69/100), which is considered good. Out of 73 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.

What contaminants are in Key West's water?

Of the 73 contaminants tested in Key West's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Key West have any water quality violations?

Yes, Key West has 12 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.

Do I need a water filter in Key West?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Key West is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Key West's tap water come from?

Key West's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by FKAA J. ROBERT DEAN W.T.P.. The system serves approximately 86,000 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Key West's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Key West's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Key West's water compare to other cities in Florida?

Key West's water quality score of 69/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Florida state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Key West's water quality?

If you have concerns about Key West's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (FKAA J. ROBERT DEAN W.T.P.) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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